Study Guide for “Religion—A Reality!”
Introduction
In this powerful sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound reality and significance of true religion, particularly the faith in Christ Jesus. He argues against the notion that religion is a vain or trivial pursuit, asserting that it is, in fact, the essence of life itself. Spurgeon highlights the genuine experiences of believers, the transformative power of faith, and the eternal implications of embracing a relationship with God.
Discussion Questions
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Understanding Reality: How does Spurgeon differentiate between true religion and the “vain” forms of religion? What characteristics define true faith in Christ?
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Personal Experience: Reflect on your own experiences with faith. Can you identify moments when your belief in God felt particularly real or transformative? How did these experiences shape your understanding of God?
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Faith vs. Sight: Spurgeon mentions that the Christian walk is one of faith, not sight. What does this mean for you in your daily life? How can you cultivate a deeper faith in times of uncertainty?
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The Role of Hypocrisy: How does the presence of hypocrisy in religious communities affect people’s perception of faith? What can be done to address this issue within the church?
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The Importance of Prayer: Spurgeon emphasizes the reality of prayer as a privilege of the believer. How has prayer played a role in your life? Can you share a time when you felt your prayers were answered?
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Living Out Faith: Spurgeon asserts that true religion is not a part-time endeavor but a way of life. In what ways can you integrate your faith more fully into your daily activities and relationships?
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Eternal Perspective: How does understanding the eternal implications of faith in Christ influence your decisions and priorities today? What steps can you take to focus more on eternal values?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of true faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to see the reality of my relationship with You and to live out my faith authentically. Strengthen my belief in Your promises, especially in times of doubt. May I experience the joy of prayer and the transformative power of Your love in my life. Guide me to be a true reflection of Your grace to those around me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.